The Dry Dock

Good Food hat15/20Updated October 26, 2026,first published November 11, 2024The Dry Dock HotelPub dining$$Balmain’s oldest boozer is an A-plus destination for drinks and dining, with not a pokie to be seen.Last year’s Good Food Guide Pub of the Year continues to be a benchmark boozer for excellent food, drinks and hospitality, no matter if you’re a long luncher, popping in for a schooner, or a happy dog. It’s perennial, too. In winter, the lounge in front of the fire is hot property and for sharing a charcuterie plate and bottle of nebbiolo, while street-side tables are engineered for fish sandwiches and an Aperol spritz in summer. Head to the restaurant if you’re after a full dining experience delivered by affable career waiters. It feels appropriate to start with Balmain bugs (note the fabulous tarragon mayonnaise) and just-shucked oysters on ice, and then progress to one of Sydney’s great pub dishes: the crumbed Berkshire pork cutlet with beurre noisette. Meanwhile, the grill section is bolstered by some serious steaks, and the wine list has plenty of bottles for all occasions. To end? It has to be the profiterole, full of hazelnut ice-cream and dripping in hot chocolate – perfect with a whisky back by that fire. Good to know: Happy hour wine is $10 a glass, and you will drink much better producers than your standard pub pour.Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox.Sign upGood Food reviews are booked anonymously and paid independently. A restaurant can’t pay for a review or inclusion in the Good Food Guide.Last visited: May 2026More:BalmainThe Dry Dock HotelSydneyPub diningPub diningLicensedAccepts bookingsSeparate barOpen firePokies-freeFamily-friendlyPet-friendlyRestaurantPubReviewsGood Food GuidePub of the YearFrom our partners